More than 3900 runners including defence personnel, families, and fitness groups gathered at VMRDA Park where SBI dignitaries Shri Rahul Sankritya and Shri K Uma Maheswara Rao flagged off the event that promoted eco responsible running practices.
Visakhapatnam welcomed the latest chapter of SBI Green Marathon Season 6 with an early morning gathering that brought the city’s running community, families, and defence groups to the shoreline. The event marked another milestone in the marathon’s nationwide journey and carried forward its commitment to encouraging sustainable choices through a fitness focused platform. The spirit of the city was visible from the start as participants assembled along the coastline to experience an event shaped around environmental responsibility.
After covering cities including Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Bhopal, the marathon reached the VMRDA Park stretch at Ramakrishna Beach. The location offered a panoramic backdrop of the sea and the green landscape that surrounds one of Visakhapatnam’s most recognised public spaces. The combination of fresh morning light, coastal wind, and a collective sense of purpose created a setting that aligned naturally with the message of running for a greener future. The participation of over 3900 runners reflected the scale of interest and the motivation shared across age groups and fitness levels.
The flag off ceremony was led by Shri Rahul Sankritya, Deputy General Manager, along with Shri K Uma Maheswara Rao, Public Relations Officer. Their presence added significance to the event and reinforced the broader intent of drawing attention to sustainability through consistent public engagement. The gathering included a strong turnout from the Indian Navy as well as other defence personnel who joined the citizens of Visakhapatnam in taking on the coastal route. Families, long distance runners, fitness groups, and first time participants contributed to a diverse and enthusiastic crowd.
SBI Green Marathon Season 6 maintained its focus on responsible event design, and participants experienced choices that supported this approach. The organic T shirts, plantable BIBs, and reusable cloth goodie bags encouraged runners to adopt habits that minimise waste. Black alkaline water, introduced as a hydration option, offered an additional layer of consideration for endurance and recovery. The involvement of waste management partner Skrap ensured that materials generated during the event were handled with a planned structure of segregation, recycling, and appropriate disposal. A detailed sustainability report is expected to follow, continuing the marathon’s pattern of documenting its environmental footprint.
The scenic route from VMRDA Park along Ramakrishna Beach allowed runners to experience one of the most admired stretches of Visakhapatnam. The cool sea breeze and gradual rise of the sun created a route that was both challenging and uplifting. The AIMS certified 5K, 10K, and 21K categories brought together individuals with varying levels of experience. The longer distances drew endurance runners and seasoned athletes, while the shorter categories welcomed new entrants and casual fitness groups. Across all segments, the focus remained on completing the run with an awareness of the sustainability message that defines the marathon series.
Adding to the interaction and atmosphere was Mirchi RJ Prem, whose presence on the ground kept energy levels high. His engagement with runners before and after the flag off contributed to the sense of community that shaped the event. The blend of music, announcements, and crowd response created a dynamic environment that carried through the morning. This layer of live interaction brought a celebratory tone while keeping attention on the purpose of the gathering.
Visakhapatnam’s reputation for natural beauty and an engaged local community made it an important location for the ongoing season of the marathon. The event strengthened the city’s association with initiatives that promote environmental awareness and collective participation. From the preparation at dawn to the completion of the final laps, the run highlighted how a city’s landscape and its residents can come together to support long term environmental thinking.
With the conclusion of the Visakhapatnam chapter, SBI Green Marathon Season 6 continues its progression through multiple cities across the country. Each location contributes to the larger intention of promoting cleaner choices and a more conscious approach to fitness. The Visakhapatnam leg added its own character through its coastline setting, active community participation, and the presence of defence forces who joined the gathering with a shared purpose.
The day closed with a sense of achievement for thousands who took part in an event designed to inspire small but steady steps toward a greener way of life. The combination of sustainability practices, scenic coastal running, and widespread participation made the Visakhapatnam edition a notable moment in the ongoing calendar of SBI Green Marathon Season 6.
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